Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said Brancato was just as guilty as his accomplice, Steven Armento, who shot Enchautegui at point-blank range.

"This would not have happened if not for this animal's drug habit," said Lynch. "The only good thing is that this skunk is not walking out to spend Christmas with his family. The sad part is that neither is Daniel."

Brancato, 32, faces from 3-1/2 to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 9, and prosecutor Terry Gottlieb said she will ask for the max.

"He's going to jail for a very long time," Gottlieb said.

Don't count on it, countered Brancato's lawyer Joseph Tacopina, who said his client has already spent three years in jail awaiting trial and could walk with time served.